I have written a book on the politics of autism policy. Building on this research, this blog offers insights, analysis, and facts about recent events. If you have advice, tips, or comments, please get in touch with me at jpitney@cmc.edu

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Campaign Against Restraint and Seclusion

Organizers of the new effort known as “Stop Hurting Kids” say they hope to raise public awareness of the dangerous consequences often resulting from the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in the classroom.

They are also looking to spur a grassroots movement by asking supporters to sign up and take a series of weekly actions to learn about restraint and seclusion, advocate for policy change and share their stories, according to Jonathan Riethmaier of TASH, one of over two-dozen disability advocacy groups backing the new campaign.

Other partner organizations include The Arc, the National Down Syndrome Society, the National Disability Rights Network and the Autism Society.

At a kickoff event Thursday evening in Washington, organizers plan to unveil a 27-minute documentary featuring individuals who experienced restraint and seclusion at school and their parents. Speakers at the event — which will be streamed online — are expected to include Michael Yudin, who heads the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services at the U.S. Department of Education, as well as Larke Huang of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

The film — which will be freely available on the campaign’s website following the premiere — was created by Dan Habib of the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability.